Bollywood stars Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal have ushered in their first Ganpati festival together following their recent marriage, sharing the poignant moment with fans through a heartfelt Instagram post. The two actors, who tied the knot on June 23 in an intimate ceremony, have often found themselves under scrutiny due to their interfaith marriage. Despite the criticism, they have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to mutual respect for each other’s beliefs, a sentiment clearly reflected in their celebration of the Hindu festival Ganesh Chaturthi.
Sonakshi Sinha, known for her roles in blockbuster films, took to Instagram to share a touching video of her and Iqbal performing the Ganpati puja. In the video, they can be seen welcoming the idol of Ganesha into their home, offering prayers, and observing the rituals with great devotion. The video captures the couple in a moment of tranquility and unity, highlighting their harmonious home life.
While sharing the video, Sonakshi and Zaheer penned a joint caption that read, “Love grows in respect when a couple honours each other’s beliefs in true harmony… Our first Ganpati after shaadi.” The post received a mixed response, though the wave of positive comments overwhelmingly overshadowed the negativity. Numerous fans applauded the couple for their decision to celebrate each other’s traditions. “Love jihad bolne wale patli gali se nikal ja,” one user commented, urging those propagating hate to step aside. Another supporter chimed in, expressing, “India ki wo begherat awaam jo mazhab pe bakwas kar rahi thi, I think ab mu pe chanta lag gaya hoga sabke! Jab ek Muslim Hindu ladki ko izzat de kar biwi bana kar uske saath pooja kar raha hai toh Hindu ladki uske saath dargah kyun nahi jaa sakti?? They are happy, ab bash dena inko.” A third user inquired rhetorically, “Abhi love jihad bolne wale ramu log kahan gaye?”
The couple’s love story has been a class act in mutual respect and admiration. They had a civil marriage ceremony followed by a grand, star-studded reception attended by many from the Bollywood fraternity. Reflecting on her journey and the societal challenges they faced, Sonakshi shared her views in an interview with PTI. “I feel that when two people are in love, nothing else matters.
. And I hope people have the strength to follow their hearts, which is what I did, and I’m happy,” she remarked. She expressed a desire for everyone to live in harmony, appreciating and respecting each other’s backgrounds.
Recounting some of the most cherished moments from their wedding, Sonakshi vividly remembers the joy and excitement of their special day. “The ceremony where we signed the marriage documents was particularly special. Just before we left for the reception, the house started to empty as everyone proceeded towards the venue. In that brief moment, it was just the two of us. We went up to the house that we were going to make a home with each other and paused to take it all in. We looked out at the city and just held each other,” she recollected.
This significant milestone in their relationship was more than just a celebration of a festival; it was a testament to their journey of love and respect. As Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal performed the Ganpati puja together, they not only embraced a tradition but also sent a powerful message of unity and mutual respect.
The couple’s decision to share this personal moment on social media further highlights their openness and desire to spread a message of love and acceptance. It serves as a reminder that respect for each other’s traditions and beliefs can cultivate deeper bonds and foster understanding, even amidst the cacophony of dissent.
In an era where interfaith marriages often attract skepticism and undue criticism, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal’s journey stands out as a beacon of hope. Their celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi is a beautiful illustration of how love can transcend boundaries and build bridges across different faiths. As they continue their journey together, their story will undoubtedly inspire many to look beyond differences and find unity in diversity.
